Language Learning Strategies: Compensation, Memory and Metacognition

Start with what the learner does, rather than the strategy label. Guessing to bridge missing information differs from storing information, asking others for help, or planning and monitoring learning. The example below comes from the free English 2 questions.

Worked example from the free questions

A learner could not hear part of a recording, so she used the context and her background knowledge to guess the missing part. Which type of language learning strategy is this?

1. a memory strategy
2. a social strategy
3. a metacognitive strategy
4. a compensation strategy

Correct answer: D — a compensation strategy

Why each option fits or fails

• A: Memory strategies help store and retrieve language, such as using images or rhymes.
• B: Social strategies involve other people, for example asking for help, which did not happen here.
• C: Metacognitive strategies plan, monitor or evaluate learning, which is not what guessing does.
• D: Correct: guessing intelligently from context to make up for missing knowledge is a compensation strategy (Oxford).

Skill reference: ETEC Standards for English Language Teachers (2) (2020), Standard 6.9.1, indicator 2, p. 9; Oxford, Language Learning Strategies

This example reuses a previously reviewed question in our bank; it is not presented as a question published by ETEC. The skill reference identifies its scope and does not imply ETEC endorsement of this answer or website.

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